Selected tobacco-use behaviors and dietary patterns among high school students--United States, 1991

In the United States, 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths are attributable to tobacco use (1); approximately 35% of all cancer deaths are associated with diet (2). Because tobacco-use behaviors and dietary patterns (particularly diets high in fat and low in fruits, vegetables, and grains) established during youth may extend into adulthood and may increase the risk for cancer and other chronic diseases, these behaviors should be monitored and addressed among youth (1,3). This article presents self-reported data on the prevalence of selected tobacco-use behaviors and dietary patterns associated with risk for cancer and other chronic diseases among U.S. students in grades 9-12 during 1991.